HSV's new LS3 V8 is a new gearbox away from delivering its best. Indeed, the hot Holden brigade has purposely detuned its new V8 engine until it can substitute its existing T56 manual gearbox for a new stronger unit.
The main obstacle to more extensive changes and new model identification on the latest round of HSV updates is that the company is not ready to announce its version of Tremec's latest TR6060 manual transmission. Modifications to the final drive of the W427 (more here), which already features the new gearbox, include a high strength, shot-peened differential. This points to the other Achilles' heel of the current HSV drivetrain that also needs to be addressed (on both manual and automatic models).
The same LS3 engine that has just been fitted to the latest HSV range (see our launch review soon) usually delivers well over 320kW and close to 580Nm. Output has been pulled back to 317kW/550Nm in the latest HSVs because the full output specs would be outside the prudent limits for the existing drivetrain.
It also explains why FPV and Ford, which have recently upgraded their final drives and already fitted the new TR6060 gearbox to their FG ranges, have been able to boost F6 torque to 565Nm. Because the F6 torque 'peak' is not just a momentary blip on the graph when it is sustained from 1950-5200rpm, the upgrades have been quite significant.
Not only could HSV match and exceed the F6's figures without changing a single piece of hardware under the bonnet, it could do it right now, if it wasn't for the existing manual gearbox and final drive. And because these upgrades will require other hardware changes (including clutch, shift mechanism and tailshaft), HSV has nobbled its new engine until these changes are ready to roll out.
Further LS3 upgrades will be open to HSV with relatively low levels of investment once the drivetrain issues have been addressed.
It would make little sense to release more new models with the old gearbox and final drive. With the HSV Tourer and manual Senator Signature due in showrooms no later than October this year, this points to HSV's upgrade timetable.
Expect the changes outlined above, and output increases, to apply to all HSV models from that time.
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